Nothing beats juice, boba and smoothies — and if you're in the mood to enjoy them in Charlotte, we've found a lineup of places that will excite your appetite. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for a refreshing drink this summer.
Clean Juice Bar
201 S. Tryon, Suite 120-B, Uptown Charlotte
Over in uptown Charlotte, Clean Juice Bar offers a healthy way to get refreshed this summer. The menu includes bottles and shots of organic, cold-pressed juices as well as açaí bowls.
Look for specialty smoothies, such as The Slushie One (coconut water, honey, orange and strawberries) and The Intense One (apple, avocado, coconut water, ginger, kale, lemon, spinach and spirulina).
With three stars out of two reviews on Yelp, Clean Juice Bar is still finding its way, but it's early days yet.
Coby K., who was the first Yelper to review the new spot on May 12, said, "Ordered with the app. Service was quick and the smoothie was great! Staff is super friendly, loved the music and atmosphere. Try The Tropical One and add whey for a protein kick."
Nina S. gave the newcomer four stars based on cleanliness, value, atmosphere, service and quality.
Clean Juice Bar is open from 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.–8 p.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
Kung Fu Tea
8200 Providence Road, Suite 1000, Arboretum
Kung Fu Tea is bringing Taiwanese-style bubble tea to the Arboretum shopping center. This international chain has locations in the U.S., Australia, Vietnam and Canada, per its website.
On the menu, expect an array of milk teas, slushies, punches, yogurts and espressos. New additions to the menu include Creme de Banana and lychee hot tea. Look for seasonal specials as well, including pumpkin oolong milk tea and brown sugar ginger.
With a four-star rating out of 23 reviews on Yelp so far, Kung Fu Tea's first Charlotte location is getting positive feedback.
Yelp reviewer Michelle P. said, "So far this is absolutely my favorite boba tea place around! The mix is just perfect, not very sugary or syrupy. There is a good blend of tea and milk and I love it."
Jimmy L. added, "The cashier was enthusiastic to assist me with my choices and the staff itself made the drinks spot-on. We ordered two drinks and both are refreshing, boba was made well (not too hard or soft) and drinks were not overly sweet. Overall, I'm coming back again!"
Swing on by to take a peek for yourself: Kung Fu Tea is open from 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. from Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon–9 p.m. on Sunday.
Crispy Banh Mi
2934 Shamrock Drive, Shamrock
Crispy Banh Mi is a family-owned Vietnamese spot that offers plenty of drinks to pair with your meal, including smoothies, coffee, milk tea and juice.
Smoothie and slushie flavors include avocado, jackfruit, durian, coconut, mango, taro and more. (See the full menu here.)
All fruity green teas come with basil seeds and jelly. Milk teas come with one free topping out of the following list: grass jelly, coffee jelly, boba, aloe vera and lychee coconut.
Crispy Banh Mi has already attracted fans thus far, with a 4.5-star rating out of 17 reviews on Yelp.
Elise W., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on April 28, said, "The milk tea speaks for itself ... they make their taro base from scratch! They make it unsweetened and then add sweetness if you request it. Boba is also cooked to perfection, not too chewy or too sweet."
Yelper Kristin D. added, “I tried Crispy Banh Mi, per the recommendation of a friend. The staff are super friendly and exude the hospitality that one should find at a new business. Each person was treated as a new customer!”
Head on over to check it out: Crispy Banh Mi is open from 9 a.m.–8 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday and noon–7 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)
